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Folklife Festival Relocates Amid Trump's Anniversary Controversy

2/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Folklife Festival will relocate from National Mall due to U.S. President Donald Trump's 250th anniversary plans.
The festival, held since 1967, will now occur in various U.S. communities.
The move reflects tensions between the White House and Smithsonian, which relies on federal funding.
Trump has criticized the Smithsonian for portraying a negative view of history and threatened funding.
The Smithsonian has made concessions, including altering displays related to Trump.

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Story summary

The Folklife Festival will relocate from National Mall due to U.S. President Donald Trump's 250th anniversary plans.
The festival, held since 1967, will now occur in various U.S. communities.
The move reflects tensions between the White House and Smithsonian, which relies on federal funding.
Trump has criticized the Smithsonian for portraying a negative view of history and threatened funding.
The Smithsonian has made concessions, including altering displays related to Trump.